Monday July 13, 8:57 p.m.

Well, it took a while but it looks like I finally got that e-mail of exasperation from The Cornerette just now about how long it has taken me to get through those translations. At least, I think I got one...it's hard to tell since her English is not nearly as good as The Corner's. I sent over an apology letter. I don't think it's gonna get the translations done any faster. I informed her that I wasn't a professional translator and certainly wasn't a ceramicist; I just hope that Paddy didn't pad his recommendation of me when I was first introduced to The Corner over a year ago. Well, I figure that I'll probably be no longer contacted by The Cornerette or The Corner once this assignment is truly over...hopefully by the end of this week. Ach...it was a good gig while it lasted.

Monday July 13, 3:56 p.m.

The first truly summer day has arrived. I woke up sweating...a sure sign, and yet I'm holding off the first official usage of my dinosaur of an air conditioner until tomorrow. Yep, it was about 31 C in my living room but wasn't sweating too profusely...more like a skin-shield of sweat. I've certainly gotten accustomed to the infamous Tokyo summers over the years. Another sign of that was back on Friday when The Lens and I had met in Akiba. He's far more healthier than me, thanks to his long years of kendo training, and yet he said he was mightily wilting under the sun. And the last sign that the dog days of summer have arrived: my first of two showers of the day.

I went down to my branch of the bank to transfer some funds over to the parentals. The lady who's helped me ever since I first arrived in Japan was busy with another guy, so I got a native who had a fair-to-middling ability with the language. First, she told me that I didn't need to deal with her and that I could actually go to the ATMs and get it done there. Well, quite a change, I thought...only to find out I couldn't get access to any Canadian banks on the machines. I caught the lady's eye again and told her about my predicament, and after shooting up some question marks over her head, she realized that she hadn't told me enough information....about the special bank transfer booth across from the regular ATMS.

After going through the process, I kinda wondered what was actually easier....just getting the transfer done the old way with that American employee who's been at my branch longer than probably Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama combined or this newfangled way. I sat into the booth which reminded me of my regular visits to the I-Cafe and had that other lady looking over my shoulder while another bank employee showed up on cameraphone to take my order. As I took the receiver, the new lady instructed me to put that piece of paper on which I'd jotted down the info for my parents' bank account (and boy was I lucky I'd had the foresight to do that) and put into the scanner right in front of me. Then came about 10 minutes of digital data taking before the money was on its way. This lady's English was somewhat better than the first person, but I could hear a bit of tension underneath the professional voice of reason. Wasn't sure if she were nervous about handling my order in English or if she were terrified of my face. My default expression isn't very pretty and unless people get to know me well, they usually think I'm in a ticked-off mood....which I was, slightly. However, she assured me that the data is now a part of record, and that if I ever needed to do the same thing again, I just had to press one number and the whole structure would pop up again automatically so that I would just need to press "Confirm" and then how much I money I would send. I'm sure she was quite relieved.

Got out of there and walked up to Roppongi. Ended up having lunch at the local Wendy's. It was up to 32 C by that time and it had only passed 11 o'clock. Still, walking up the rebuilt area of Roppongi Hills, the presence of trees made a big difference in cooling things down, in contrast with the mostly concrete of Old Roppongi. Took some shots of the area.

Then, I took the Metro up to Ginza. Ginza is all concrete so the temperature was definitely closer to 40 C with all of the juicy air to boot. Took a look in both HMVs and Yamano Music for the better part of an hour there. All places were playing Michael Jackson on speakers. Next, I went inside the whale skeleton that made up the Tokyo International Forum; just aching for pictures. Then I went up to the Yaesu Book Centre across from Tokyo Station. Was surprised that I could survive all that walking in that heat. But I kept myself hydrated, thanks to the vending machines.

The week's looking pretty light for me. Just have Medicine Man tonight...yep, one 9:30 class will make up my entire work output for the day. Still, I've got translations to do. The Cornerette asked...politely...about when the last of those translations will get in. I answered...politely...that they'll be in by the end of the week (although I left out the word, "hopefully"). Basically, the only really busy day will be Wednesday...which I guess is appropriate since that was Hump Day, but even then, it's just 4 classes with plenty of space in between. Thursday (and I am keeping my fingers crossed here) may just have me having 2 classes in the afternoon: Miss Sedona and The Bow.

I got home from the latest stint at the I-Cafe last night and turned on NHK to see how those Tokyo Assembly Elections were going. And sure enough, the Liberal Democratic Party was getting trounced. I'd say it was like Hannibal Lecter sinking his teeth into those hapless guards in "Silence of the Lambs". The Democratic Party of Japan was just mauling Taro Aso's party all night, and by the end of the assault, the DPJ became the No. 1 party in Tokyo for the first time in 40 years and also got an outright majority for the first time in many years. I'm sure there was a party at DPJ headquarters. Meanwhile, the LDP could only start to lick its wounds. It took its national partner, the Komeito Party, to somehow make things from looking totally disastrous.

And the vulture was looking at Taro Aso, as it had for ex-PM Abe and Yasuo Fukuda before him. Sure enough, I saw the newspaper kiosks in the subways screaming out the headlines of the announcement of the dissolution of the Diet next week with a general election to be held in August. So, I think the country's highest manga lover will hang on and himself at the bitter end, since there is really noone there to take over. The media has apparently been doing the LDP's thinking for them and throwing out names such as Yoichi Masuzoe, the Minister of Labour, and Governor Higashikokubaru of Miyazaki Prefecture, since both have relative popularity. But Masuzoe has always gotten increasingly grayer over the months since he took over his post, thanks to that pension scandal, so I'm not sure if he could literally survive the top post, and as for current comedian-in-chief Higashikokubaru, I'm frankly not sure if CNN and the rest of the international media could survive pronouncing his name on a regular basis. Plus, Japan would wince mightily if Higashikokubaru actually got the top job and started telling President Obama to just call him Sonomama Higashi, his old comedian pseudonym. In any case, politically speaking, it's gonna be a blazing summer here.

Sunday July 12, 8:38 p.m.



Another weekend is coming to an end. Did another round at MB's place. And this time, The Satyr showed up as well and we got to see a DVD. We watched "Hot Fuzz", the latest movie with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the British Laurel and Hardy of the 21st century. It was chock filled with a lot of the latest Brit thesps (Timothy Dalton, Paddy Considine, Bill Nighy, etc.) who've made their way across the ocean to Hollywood, and even one Aussie, a disguised cameo by Cate Blanchett. MB and I had been hoping to watch it for several months, and I guess we had our expectations ratcheted up a bit too high. After the first 15 minutes, there was nary a laugh out of the three of us, and I started to think whether we had picked up a dud. Things finally got going in the 2nd half so it wasn't a total loss, but I think "Shaun of the Dead" still wins out by a good margin. However, I think the big casting shocker was portly old Edward Woodward...yep, "The Equalizer" himself...playing a seemingly cordial Neighbourhood Watch commander.



MB did get that huge screen and has been enjoying his games online and off. I must admit that although I'm absolutely a putz when it comes to playing them, it's still pretty enjoyable. Still don't think I'll dust off my Playstation 1, though.



My session with Mrs Jyuppie was fine but Mr. Jyuppie basically put me into counselor mode once more. Apparently, he's gone into a mid-life crisis almost a decade too early. He's been wondering about how satisfied he's been with his career and the fact that he's gotten a couple of potentially good but risky opportunities. Hmmm....I listened and then referred him to "What Color is your Parachute?"



Today is the Tokyo City Council Elections...a bellweather vote in terms of the health of the governing party. It'll be interesting for me to look

Thursday July 9, 7:39 p.m.

Another pretty quiet night. Grandma FON and I had another good session. She'll be heading off to her dacha out in the wilds of Nagano Prefecture from next week so we may or may not see her again for about 6 weeks, at least. The Nurse came by...pretty lackadaiscal...I'm kinda wondering if she'll be taking off if things get anymore lax. And then, The Carolinan. She seemed slightly moody tonight....couldn't really tell why until she told me at the end that the president of her company, an alcoholic beverage retailer that's fallen on some hard times, had announced a big meeting with everyone at a major hotel tomorrow. She thinks, being somewhat pessimistic, that the big meeting will really be the excuse to bring down the axe on a lot of folks. Hopefully, everything will work out for her.

Just have The Music Man in about 90 minutes. Still slogging away at the remaining stubborn article to be translated. I got in touch with The Lens' wife just now to say that I'll meeting them for lunch in Akiba tomorrow.

The campaign trucks have once again been assaulting our ears since the Tokyo Assembly elections are on for this Sunday. I think we've had about 4 or 5 pols waving their white-gloved (oh, the irony) hands while using their megaphones like a secret weapon. The media will be keeping their eyes and ears peeled as to how the LDP fares. If the LDP bombs, as many expect they will, then PM Aso may just hold off on that call for a general election until more stable times come again.

Thursday July 9, 11:16 a.m.

Another one of those warm and humid days. Not quite the moushoubi, or torrid days, characteristic of summer in the Kanto, but we're making the transition. It'll be a somewhat middlingly busy day today. Not particularly a Hump Day but I have enough on my plate to keep things going. I've got Grandma FON in another 10 minutes, and then it'll be The Nurse a few hours, The Carolinan a few hours after that, followed by The Music Man in the last slot tonight.

I've been reading that somewhat forgotten sitcom stars from the 70s have been getting back into the limelight...but not in the most positive of ways. Eddie (Carmine) Mekka of "Laverne & Shirley" and Joyce (Janet) DeWitt from "Three's Company" have been busted for DUI in the last couple of days. I'd say that Conrad Janis, Pam Dawber and Donna Pescow better think twice about that last drink.

Well, I've yet to hear from The Lens about where we're supposed to be meeting for lunch tomorrow afternoon. I've got that day cleared for he and his wife before I have my sole classes at the juku on Friday night.

Wednesday July 8, 9:12 p.m.

Quiet ending to the night. Just waiting for The Fashion Designer to show up in about 15 minutes. 001 had one of those rollicking classes; I knew things were going to be fun when she pointed at her tummy and said in all seriousness, "I had a headache". Loved to whomp her on that one.

Well, I am quite impressed with Kinokuniya. Not less than a week after I'd ordered that CD for Mr. White's textbook, I got a call from them stating that the discs have arrived. Far better than those 2 months waiting for the DVD at Maruzen. Don't think I'll have a chance to pick it up tomorrow due to the schedule. If I'm lucky, it may be Friday before I meet up with The Lens for lunch. Most likely, it'll be Monday morning.

Wednesday July 8, 4:11 p.m.

I may only have three lessons here at Speedy, plus that private one with The Admin, but it's still feeling like Hump Day since I still have those translations above my head like a Sword of Damocles. Well, I managed to overcome another hurdle by getting another batch off to the Cornerette. Strangely enough, I haven't heard from her for a couple of days; not sure if she's run off screaming like a banshee. I still have that rather large bundle that I've let slide since the others that have come since then had higher priority. In any case, this latest assignment has been the toughest I've ever had.

The family restaurant was really bustling when The Admin and I got there. I think the lunch crowd doesn't exactly head back to work right at 1 anymore. I brought over the will of Michael Jackson that I'd downloaded from CNN.com a few days ago for a conversation piece. The Admin had seen more of the funeral than I did, and just remarked on the spectacle of it all, which is the word that I would also use to describe The King of Pop's final farewell.

Had Miss Prissy earlier in the morning so I've just got 001 and The Fashion Designer later tonight. I had a small chat with Ray who's just come back from a week vacationing in Paris. She had a good time in The City of Lights although she didn't bother going out at night due to security issues. I got a tin of mints as a souvenir.

Wednesday July 8, 8:13 a.m.

Well, the funeral of the century came and went. I let this world event pass me by as I slumbered overnight (it happened at 2 a.m. JST). Ordinarily, I would've watched it but since I do have an early class today which meant an early departure from home, I'd decided that I wouldn't risk the embarrassment of collapsing in front of Miss Prissy just for the chance of watching Michael Jackson's casket.

I think people get the funerals they deserve. I don't remember the services that John Lennon or Elvis Presley got, but I do remember Princess Diana's from 12 years ago. It was grand and laden with celebs. Terry Fox also received a fine sendoff in a church with the Canadian flag. As for Michael Jackson, from what few highlights I'd seen and the stuff I'd read on CNN.com, his funeral was as spectacular and as telegenic as any of his concert extravaganzas. I don't think I'll have to worry about missing it; I'm almost positive that it'll get repeat airing and perhaps even a DVD deal is in the works. I'm not sure if that would be something that MJ would appreciate, but entertainment is a business.

I was also drawn to yesterday's tirade by Congressman Peter King about the media's lionization of Michael Jackson. I think it was more of a venting than anything else by the politician. Nothing's gonna change about the viewing of Jackson because of one pol's dislike of The King of Pop. However, I'd have to disagree with him about his statement that Jackson did nothing good, although I can't say that I'm a fervent fan. At the very least, Jackson entertained and perhaps inspired a lot of people to do things. In the last few years of his life, he may have shown some incredible lack of judgment but if he managed to keep people happy, then that's not a bad legacy at all.

Monday July 6, 8:45 p.m.

Those translations just keep dragging on and on. I've just said the heck with it and I'm gonna shut down the translating for tonight. I've already sent in my contribution for today anyways.

Got to see SIL for the first time in a few weeks. Of course, Michael Jackson was the hot topic on the menu today. We made a comparative study between him and her idol of Elvis Presley. It'll be another 3 weeks before I meet SIL again since she and her family are on Obon holiday (for certain folks here, the Obon holiday is celebrated in July, not in August).

Met up with The Full-Timer. She's still doing the rounds of interviews with her temp company. She's been getting rather exhausted from all of the speaking in English and stuff, but she is sounding more fluent.

The Spaniard, one of our other teachers here at Speedy's, contributed some suits to me and the bossman tonight. Not quite sure if I'll be able to fit into the trousers but the blazers are hopeful. In any case, they'll all need a good pressing.

With all of the Michael Jackson news and that crisis in Honduras, it's easy to overlook what's been happening in my backyard. And what is happening in my backyard is that it's looking more and more likely that the Prime Ministerial revolving door will be turning once more in the next month or so. After a slight blip of hope a few months ago with that small scandal in the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party is once again sinking. There was a gubernatorial election in Shizuoka last night with the LDP being ousted there which can't be good news for PM Aso. And there are the Tokyo councillor elections this coming Sunday which the LDP can't afford to lose.

Sunday July 5, 2:28 p.m.

Yep, another session at the I-Cafe...trying to get most of those translations done today. Watched Episode 7 of Ken Burns' documentary on "Jazz". It dealt with the transition from swing to be-bop; for some reason, the narrator never mentions the word in the whole 2 hours although much of it deals with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. I thought it was interesting how be-bop was to swing jazz as rock was to regular pop standards in the 50s. Would like to get the whole series...but then, I got my premium schedule for NHI. I haven't looked at it yet but I know it's gonna hurt.

Well, off to the salt mines.

Saturday July 4, 12:55 p.m.

Spent another 3 hours on what is supposed to be my first full weekend in a month just hacking away at translations. I may be able to finish it all off tomorrow although the I-Cafe staff wonder if they ought to consider giving me mileage for all of the times I've been coming here recently.

The juku boss freaked out last night during The Restauranteur's session since some kinda virus may have jammed up her Outlook Express. She kept asking me the same questions and apologizing over and over again like a really bad deja vu scene. I remarked...kindly....that it is time to get a new OS. The current one is older than most long-lived dogs.

Some domestic American news has managed to penetrate the wall that is Michael Jackson. Sarah Palin has decided to call it quits from being governor of Alaska just a few years into her first term. Not sure what she's planning to do but the pundits are just calling her an idiot...which means that she may be onto something....or just on something.

The local music video channels have gone onto heavy Michael mode. MTV Japan has even re-broadcast the coverage during the night of his death. I always enjoyed his old videos from the early 80s but some of his later ones just got a bit too maudlin for me.

Friday July 3, 6:41 p.m.

Steady day. No classes at Speedy today. I had The Bass and The Bow plus I've got the Friday night juku pair. Note that I said "pair" and not a "trio". Yes, I think the boss may pull out tonight; when she said she may not be able to come for her half-hour, I gestured toward my stomach, thinking that she may have had another relapse from her operation. Instead, she jerked her head toward the hubby in the living room. Ah.Yup, he's gotta be fed.

Although The Bass is still on, The Bow may be pulling out altogether since she may have squared a full-time position according to an interview she had the other day. Ahhh...just as well. At least, I can keep things in the neighbourhood on alternating Fridays. Between The Bass and The Bow, I sped off toward Shinjuku, and hit Kinokuniya where I got the text for Mr. White's inaugural class next week. Of course, there was no accompanying CD so I ordered one. The lady said that it would take about 10 days so I'm holding them to that promise. At the same time, I also got "The Otaku Encyclopedia -- An Insider's Guide to the Subculture of Cool Japan". I'd read the review of it in "The Japan Times" the other day, and decided to pick up a copy. It was written by Patrick W. Galbraith, who has often been seen in Akihabara dressed up as one of the main characters from "Dragonball" who often gives his fellow foreigners a tour of the area. I've only read the first several pages so far...as it is an encyclopedia, there are the various expressions defined very fully as only a true otaku could. But through the first couple of interviews and some of his own insights, he's quite honest about the lot of the Japanese geeks. A few years ago, they were seemingly the toast of Tokyo in an Elephant Man sort of way due to the efforts of that movie, "Densha Otoko". However, Galbraith points out that otaku are still very much ridiculed and have as much social eptitude as a comatose patient. An interview with one anime director by the name of Yutaka Yamamoto was quite revealing; Yamamoto comes off as being a walking and talking paradox...he slags his fellow otaku for their rudeness while admitting that he's one himself with the seeming personality requirements, and nearly has a debate with himself on the concept of moe. Yup, frankly not a guy I want to socialize with.

The bizarro sight of the week was catching the cover of one of the big fancy magazines. The cover showed Bruce Willis with his new wife (!) I guess ol' Bruno had enough of seeing his ex gallivanting with Mr. Punk'd and decided to answer his midlife crisis by wedding with a model two decades his junior. No problems here, Mr. Willis. Robbing the cradle in this country is virtually a national institution. Anyways, the bizarre part was seeing Bullethead and Emma in some weird psychosexual poses while Bruce had red nail polish on his toenails. Glad I had my Burger King way ahead.

Went up to HMV. Yup, Michael Jackson was playing on the speakers. I was thinking of buying his best album but on seeing the list, it didn't seem complete enough. I already have "Thriller". I was looking for "Off The Wall" but couldn't find it, so I've decided to hold off. Instead, I just bought one of the Ken Burns' series on jazz at nearby Tower Records. Speaking of Jackson, I hear that the big memorial will now be held next Tuesday at the Staples Center in LA. So, instead of having perhaps the largest funeral in pop cultural history in a Neverland, far away from the city, the size of Chiyoda Ward, the powers-that-be will have the big sendoff in an arena that only holds 20,000. Doesn't make much sense but I can understand the neighbours balking at having the event literally next door; they probably remember all too well when Jackson had won that court case a decade ago. However, I can see a lot of problems happening downtown next week.

Ended up having dinner at The Restauranteur's. Damn fine Beef Stroganoff. Tons of cholesterol but comfort food nonetheless. And not exactly the cheapest item, but I figure if I had to choose between gnashing my teeth about which cheapo place to eat at or eating at a slightly pricey place with good food, friendliness and service, I would know my answer.

Thursday July 2, 5:06 p.m.

Well, you can add another celeb to the obituary list: Karl Malden, dead at 97. At least, he passed away peacefully in his sleep without any major horrible ending, unlike Jackson, Fawcett and McMahon. Of course, he's known for his roles in "Patton" and "On The Waterfront", but I associate him most with "The Streets of San Francisco" back in the late 70s, when he was partnered with a young Michael Douglas...and of course, his American Express commercials. The last time I saw him was on "The West Wing" when he played a priest and showed up in the Oval Office with President Bartlett. Malden always played those very reassuring, father-type roles.

I guess it made for a very appropriate coda for my last time at Maruzen today. After 2 months of having to wait for a DVD for Mr. Jyuppie because of goofs at both ends of the distribution scene, I went to pick it up after I finally got word and an apology that it had finally reached these shores. When I reached the counter, I gave the young kid behind it the slip I'd been carrying since before Golden Week. I didn't make any trouble, even when the kid started to sweat because he was seeming to have trouble finding the disc; I just hoped that it was there so that I could just get it and go. Luckily...for that moment, it was and he gave it to me. Then, the punchline. This DVD for my Oxford "Effective Presentations" book costs a whopping 18,000 yen! I waited a sixth of a year to pay nearly 2 man for a DVD that should star Sir Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson for the price I've just paid. Well, speaking of American Express, I had to pull out my rarely-used credit card since I didn't have enough cash on hand. I had kinda figured that I would be using the plastic to pay for my air ticket home; well, it got the warmup today. Goodbye, Maruzen.

Furthermore on the segue of ironic bad twists....all those frenetic Michael Jackson fans who have been amassing in front of Neverland, thinking that they were going to be taking part in history's largest public viewing of a dead celeb, got O Henry'ed when they found out that the ceremony wouldn't be taking place there after all. Apparently, the neighbours weren't too keen on having a mass of humanity the size of a small city showing up in their backyards to sing, moonwalk and mourn at the death of their hero. I think the security guy who had blabbed the rumour in the first place is probably going to be transferred to walk the beat in Watts during the graveyard shift.

Wednesday July 1, 7:52 p.m.

I've been grinding through the translations from The Cornerette, and she threw me some more stuff to tackle...due by the 5th. Take a number.

I listened to the latest Shena Ringo album...forgot what the title was...basically it's notable for the fact that J-Pop's scariest songstresss is apparently just wearing a pink silk sheet and a frown on the cover. Compared to her last album, which was more jazz-based and had me fully awake in bed, Ringo has gone back to her old raunchiness although she's definitely multi-genre. I think I picked up chanson, rock, jazz and funk at least.

Wednesday July 1, 11:02 a.m.

Well, early Happy Canada Day. I realize that it's still 10 p.m. Tuesday evening back in Toronto. No big plans here in The Big Sushi. Maybe I'll light a jar of maple syrup in tribute. Certainly would give the apartment a much needed nicer fragrance. However, the big BBQ at Shrek's this Saturday has been called off due to heat...mostly from his kids who are undergoing a fever of sorts.

It'll be a calm day, unusual for midweek, especially since this was Hump Day earlier this year. 001 isn't in today, The Diver is now gone, and The Fashion Designer won't be in until her usual 9:30 slot...that is, if she doesn't dotakyan again. I've got Grandma Enka for her monthly chitchat with me and then The Admin at the usual place; hopefully, we won't have any bothersome intrusions by low-level chinpira like last time.

Tuesday June 30, 7:38 p.m.

Well, it's been a banner day for both the juku boss and myself in terms of our students. The hyperactive girl was totally cool today whereas Suzanne was finally able to get out of her funk by getting out of her regular shifts at that place. She was back to her considerably sunny self. And it may be the last time I see her since she'll be taking the whole of July off and then considering her options from August onwards. Of course, next week, she'll be heading for The Big Apple for about a week, so most of our extended session today was gabbing about what to do and where to go. She is considering trying places ranging from Nobu in Manhattan and checking out the gospel scene in Harlem...during the daytime, of course.

Hope my luck stretches toward the Milds as well. If Mrs. Mild can actually string some accurate sentences together tonight, it'll be a great night.

Tuesday June 30, 4:35 p.m.

Well, well, well....after 2 months of waiting, that DVD I had ordered will finally come into the hands of Maruzen. I just got the notice from the somewhat chastened staff there after they had gotten my complaint. Supposedly there was a miss on the Oxford side of things but at least the staffer who responded to my letter had the good grace to not make that an excuse for the lousy aftercare. It's coming in on the 2nd so I'll go and grab it then since I've got a huge hole in the schedule on that day between Miss Sedona and the Music Man...would love to get his thoughts on Michael Jackson.

I guess it didn't take long. Since Presley's death in 1977, there have been all sorts of Elvis sightings over the decades, and I don't mean the Elvi in Las Vegas. Now that MJ has gone off to do his moonwalking in other dimensions, according to Jeanne Moos' little highlight at the end of "The Situation Room", the whole of New York may have gotten their first Michael sighting yesterday, thanks to some unusual cloud patterns over Manhattan. Apparently, they're called mammatus clouds since they look like udders; whatever they are, they looked just plain weird...like lumpy mushrooms hanging upside down. One formation may have taken on the shape of the lately departed King of Pop himself. Thriller, indeed.

Tuesday June 30, 4:15 p.m.

The juku boss is kinda feeling troubled since that hyperactive girl who had gone into conniptions last Friday has decided to continue her lessons at the juku. The boss isn't quite sure about how to handle her and she was actually looking forward to seeing her quit...if only for the boss' peace of mind. However, she's back. I just said to the boss that if she acts up one more time, then the boss can have her ousted.

Speaking of troubled children, apparently the media has been chatting aloud about that press conference by Joseph Jackson, the father of the deceased King of Pop. Apparently, at one point, Papa Joe had to convince the media that he was actually crying on the inside if not exactly showing his grief on the outside. Perhaps he had undergone the Vulcan custom of Kohlinar. Also, he apparently decided to do a bit of self-promotion on something which had the reporters scratching their heads. Don Lemon of CNN was trying to give the guy the benefit of a doubt....maybe he was still in shock. Well, as for me, I'm in no doubt. I think Joe is a bit of a sociopath. Always has been.

And speaking of other sociopaths...one did get a very public comeuppance last night JST. Bernie Madoff (love the name...speaks volumes of his actions). got the century-and-a-half from a hanging judge in New York for that grand Ponzi scheme. Unlike what the judge thought, I don't think even 150 years will deter con artists from plying their trade. Sociopaths live in their own reality. Deterrence doesn't mean much to them. The 150 years is just a salve for the victims.

Tuesday June 30, 2:01 p.m.

Had to re-wash most of my laundry from yesterday since it got drenched in that un-forecast rainstorm last night (at least, I didn't hear anything of it yesterday morning....those were a lot of sun icons I saw on the TV).

Man, that translation of all those ceramics articles are just killing me. I almost had a nervous breakdown getting through the one on Mino Ware. I gave the Beehive ladies a look at it this morning. They agree....even Mrs. Tee was squinting at the fine print, and she's an expert. Speaking of Tee, she was in one of her doldrums again for some reason. The other ladies took it in stride, though. Just one of those phases she heads into now and then.

The Michael Jackson hoopla has finally settled down. Now it's just the interminable wait for the toxicology reports to come out in a few weeks' time. I was going over some of the various footage when the breaking news came in last Friday morning JST on YouTube. Yup, it was big. Of course, the talking heads are now starting to rattle off on his legacy and on what made him tick. There was a special half-hour on him on BBC last weekend. The panelists were just going apoplectic on whether one could divide his bizarre personal life with his professional talented one.

Monday June 29, 11:59 a.m.

The screws are being tightened on me. I told The Cornerette about those translations are taking time and that they may not be totally done until early next week. She was blissfully ignorant of my crisis and just asked if she could get them by this morning. Ah, well...no. As it is, I've only been able to get one of the remaining half-dozen articles into her. I'd be lucky to get them in by Wednesday.

A bit of the unlucky day yesterday. The Coffeemaker pulled another no-show yesterday morning. I got the e-mail stating that she had come down with a touch of food poisoning. It was unfortunate that I had to put her on notice on such a bad occasion but I frankly don't want to end up twiddling my thumbs again so I just told her sweetly to make sure that she leave a message on my machine next time.

It's been 2 months since I ordered that DVD for Mr. Jyuppie's lessons from Maruzen. And yet, no DVD. I sent them a polite but firm letter complaining about their service.

Then, I had to make haste through steady rain after The Jyuppies' lessons to try to reach the Picadilly by 5 (almost impossible) to meet up with MB, The Sylph and Frodo to catch "Terminator: Salvation". Well, MB and Frodo had their heads in their hands which meant that they weren't too thrilled with it. Frodo especially wanted to burn McG in effigy. They are definitely sticklers for a coherent plotline. I was OK with it but even I was scratching my head over the fact that Skynet had John Connor right in its sights and within itself, and chose only to send one Arnie Terminator to take care of it. All I can say is that I wouldn't want to put Frodo and Megan Fox in a room together. In her usual profane way, she made it quite clear what she thought about critics of "Transformers 2". Still, I can say that I've actually caught two Anton Yelchin movies this year.

It was ironic that I'd had lunch at the Freshness Burger nearby the Jyuppies place. After the movie, MB took all of us to the JS Burger place across from Takashimaya Times Square. My cholesterol probably shot higher than the most excessive Michael Bay explosion last night. My regular burger at Freshness Burger was very juicy while the chili burger over at JS was pretty good as well.

Today, it'll be fairly slow. I've got the return of The Nurse after more than 6 months away. Then, it'll be The Full-Timer and Medicine Man tonight.